Whats the process to adpot my stepdaughter

[alext]

What is the name of your state? TX

I was wondering if someone could offer some advice on the over all process of adopting my stepdaughter (6 yrs). Here are the details. My stepdaughter was born in NY and my wife (biological mother) has full custody of her. Her biological father does not provide child support and only see her at best once a year. We are now living in TX. Therefore my questions are as follow:

1) Would this process fall under TX law?
2) Do we still need his consent even if he does not have custody?

Thanks in advance

[stealth2]

1) It depends in which state the most current order originated - if that's NY and where Dad still lives, then NY would still have jurisdiction.

2) Yep. Either his consent or a court order terminating his rights.

[bononos]

Please don't adpot to your stepdaughter!

[crystaly]

Actually adoption and custody are two different matters dealt with by two different courts. I know that for california as long as your a resident it does not matter where your custody was given to you at. 6 months makes you a resident. Look up your juridiction family laws. Like I said...custody and adoption are two different cases.